"We are promoting registered nurses to get their bachelor of science in nursing, and for those BSNs to get their masters' degree," says education development consultant Susan L. Bindon, RN, MS. "We encourage our employees to look at all the options."

Bindon says there are different motivating factors for those returning to a classroom. For some, it can open doors or provide validation after many years as a clinical nurse.

"Some people want to be a role model for their kids, others may be interested in a new job or a career path," she says. "Those pursuing their masters may do so to become a nurse practitioner, a nurse educator, to go into nursing administration or academia. Informatics is also a popular field."